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Answers to common questions about antidepressants

What are antidepressants?
When a person has depression, chemicals in their brain are out of balance. Antidepressants are medications that help to restore the balance, allowing the nerves of the brain to more effectively communicate. By targeting certain brain chemicals (serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine), antidepressants help to regulate mood and to reduce the symptoms that keep you from enjoying your life and getting through day-to-day tasks. There are also natural health products that are approved to relieve symptoms of depression.

Do antidepressants really work?
Yes, large clinical trials have shown that antidepressant medications effectively treat depression. But don't get discouraged if you are not able to resolve your symptoms with the first treatment you try. You may need to try different antidepressant medications in order to meet your goal of resolving symptoms. Therefore, it's very important to talk to your doctor about finding the right medication for you, even if it takes some time, to restore your functioning and daily living to normal. There are treatments that work on both the emotional and unpleasant physical symptoms of depression.

Are there side effects to antidepressants?
Antidepressants, like all medications, have the potential to cause side effects. Side effects are often mild, temporary, or go away once your body gets used to the medication. However, there are some serious side effects, such as the potential for behavioural and emotional changes (e.g., agitation, worsening depression) and self-harm. To learn more about side effects, see "Do antidepressants have side effects?" Not everyone will experience side effects. For those who do have side effects, it's important to know that most side effects can be managed effectively. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns about side effects, and do not stop taking your medication suddenly.

How long should it take for my antidepressants to start to work?
You probably won't notice much improvement on the first day you take antidepressant medication. If you continue to take your medication regularly and as directed, you're likely to see improvement within 1 to 2 weeks. The full benefit may not be seen until after 4 to 10 weeks of treatment.

I feel much better. Do I need to continue taking my medication?
Each person is different and you should follow the treatment duration recommended by your doctor. Most doctors recommend that you should continue to take your antidepressant medication for at LEAST 6 months after you begin to feel better; this is called maintenance therapy. If you stop taking your medication too early, you will be at higher risk of a symptom relapse. Talk to your doctor before making any decisions about quitting your medication.

My antidepressant isn't working. Should I stop taking it?
Nearly one-third of all people who take antidepressants stop taking their medication within 30 days of starting it. People say they stop because they felt the medication didn't work or because they disliked the side effects or the stigma attached to taking medication for a mental illness. Others quit their medication because they felt the medication was not treating their symptoms. Luckily, a variety of antidepressants are available in Canada. If you don't respond to one medication, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend switching to another medication, which may reduce your symptoms. Talk to your doctor if your current medication doesn't seem to be helping. Do not stop taking your medication without first talking to your doctor.

Are antidepressants addictive?
If you hesitate to take antidepressant medications because you worry about becoming addicted, rest assured: antidepressant medications are not known to be addictive. However, if you stop taking some antidepressants abruptly or too quickly, you risk discontinuation syndrome, caused by a sudden withdrawal from the drug. Discontinuation syndrome can cause nausea, flu-like symptoms, insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, agitation, and tingling sensations.

The contents of this site are for informational purposes only and are meant to be discussed with your physician or other qualified health care professional before being acted on. Never disregard any advice given to you by your doctor or other qualified health care professional. Always seek the advice of a physician or other licensed health care professional regarding any questions you have about your medical condition(s) and treatment(s). This site is not a substitute for medical advice.